Personality in Focus
Segun Awolowo: End of a Life Well Lived
By Eric Elezuo
Segun Awolowo was not only revered as the grandson of the late nationalist and one-time Premier of the Old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he was a toast of the Nigerian social and entrepreneurial circle, holding the enviable position of the president, National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from ECOWAS member States, till that fateful Thursday, November 20, 2025, when death struck.
Announcing his demise, at the age of 62, via a statement, the Awolowo family noted that “With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo,” describing him as “the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.”
“We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
To those, who had doubts as the news filtered in, were convinced that the unassuming legal practitioner and businessman par excellence, was actually gone. The tears that followed were unprecedented, coupled with an avalanche of mourners and early callers to his Ikoyi home, and the home of his mother, to offer heartfelt condolences.
Named after his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., who died at the age of 25, two months before his birth on September 27, 1963, the young Segun became a child of destiny from day one, a destiny he struggled pleasantly to fulfill.
Having lived with his mum, Abba Folawiyo till age of early education, Segun moved in with his aunt and uncle, Tola and Kayode Oyediran, in whose custody he began and concluded early primary education.
It would be recalled as part of his achievements in office, in June 2019, the NEPC under his leadership planned a partnership with retail company, Shoprite for the latter to export Nigerian products to other African countries and beyond. He also drove the Zero Oil Plan, as an economic blueprint for Nigeria, launched in 2016.
He engaged to promote the plan with the private sector, relevant government institutions and international development partners and businesses. Zero Oil is a part of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), a medium-term plan developed by the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
His Zero Oil plan is to increase the country’s export by increasing production of homemade goods, moving from the export of raw materials to value-added products so as to increase the foreign-exchange revenue, to promote the value of Nigerian-made products and services abroad, and to create jobs. It aims to generating $30 billion in foreign-exchange earnings.
Since his death on Thursday, condolences, tributes and sympathy messages have continued to flood in, filling the media spaces, and reminiscing on the good life he lived, and the positive impact he had on other lives.
SEGUN DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF AS A SCION OF THE AWOLOWO FAMILY – TINUBU
In a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu, expressed deep condolences on the demise of Segun Awolowo. The statement reads:
“Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour. Like his grandfather, he was a lawyer committed to defending truth and justice.
“He made significant contributions to Nigeria. He served diligently as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, standing as the longest serving executive director of the agency in history,” the President says.
“My sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, the Awolowo family, and his mum, our own Sisi Abah Folawiyo.
“I also commiserate with the governments and people of Ogun State, the entire South-west geopolitical zone, and Nigeria, over this painful loss. May his soul rest in peace.”
HE WAS AFFABLE, HIGHLY INTELLIGENT, AND EXTREMELY EASY-GOING – GOV DAPO ABIODUN
While mourning the departed, governor of his home state, Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, described his passing as a deeply profound personal loss, and a rude shock.
He referred to him as “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant,” noting that he received the news “with utter disbelief” and would forever treasure memories of their acquaintance.
According to Abiodun, the deceased was “affable, highly intelligent, and extremely easy-going,” traits which endeared him to many and made his demise even more painful.
“It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit unreservedly to the will of the Almighty God, who has called him to His bosom.
“We are deeply heartbroken, but we take consolation in the exemplary lessons his life taught us, for he was indeed a jolly good fellow.”
The governor noted that although Awolowo Jr. was born two months after the death of his father and was acquainted with grief from childhood, he rose above life’s challenges to become an icon in his own right.
HE WAS A PATRIOTIC NIGERIAN – GOV BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on his part, described the Segun Awolowo as a patriotic Nigerian, who served his country with vision, integrity, passion and unwavering commitment, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile.
Sanwo-Olu, also condoled with friends and his associates, describing his death as shocking and great loss to the country.
“It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the family, friends and associates of the late Olusegun Awolowo. He was undoubtedly a great Nigerian, who served his country passionately. He was also a good ambassador of the Awolowo family.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Awolowo family, as well as friends and associates of the deceased. I pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant Olusegun Awolowo eternal rest,” he said.
HE WAS A BRILLIANT LAWYER, WHO INSPIRED MANY NIGERIANS – SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his condolence message, described Segun Awolowo as a brilliant lawyer, who inspired many Nigerians to reach greater heights in life, adding that his death is a major blow to the Yoruba race and Nigeria as a nation.
Akpabio said in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, that “The news of the demise of my friend and brother, Segun, came to me unexpectedly.
“I am in shock. But who are we to question the decision of our Creator? He determines when we arrive and when we depart.”
Akpabio noted that Segun’s legacy as a brilliant lawyer, devoted family man, and compassionate individual would continue to inspire many.
“On behalf of the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I pray that his soul rests in perfect peace, and that his family, friends, and associates find strength in the cherished memories he leaves behind.
“May God grant the Awolowo family the fortitude to bear this loss, and may Segun’s legacy continue to inspire us all.”
The date and process of his burial is yet to be announced.
Personality in Focus
Aare Emmanuelking Felicitates with Ooni of Ife on 10th Coronation Anniversary, Hails Reign of Unity
The Chief Executive Officer of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, has congratulated His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, on the occasion of his 10th coronation anniversary.
In a goodwill message, Aare Emmanuelking described the monarch’s decade-long reign on the revered throne of Oduduwa as divinely inspired, visionary, and transformational, noting that it has ushered in a new era of cultural renaissance and national unity.
He stated that since his ascension, the Ooni has redefined traditional leadership by modernising kingship, reviving Yoruba cultural identity, and strengthening Ile-Ife’s position as the spiritual and cultural epicentre of the Yoruba people.
According to him, the monarch’s leadership has significantly advanced youth empowerment, cultural diplomacy, innovation, and community development, while also strengthening ties between Africa and the global African diaspora.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the Ooni for successfully combining the preservation of ancient traditions with progressive governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development initiatives, describing him as a beacon of cultural pride and purposeful leadership.
Speaking on behalf of his family, the Board, and Management of Adron Group, he expressed gratitude to God for the monarch’s impactful reign. He prayed for renewed strength, wisdom, and long life as he continues to serve the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.
Personality in Focus
Transparency Now a Standard at LSSTF, Ayo Ogunsan Vows, Mulls Establishment of Monitoring Team
By Eric Elezuo
The new helmsman at the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has vowed that under his watch as the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director, transparency at all levels will remain the standard, and no longer treated as an exception.
“Public confidence in the Fund is essential. Under my leadership, transparency will be the standard not the exception,” the CEO harped.
Ogunsan made the remarks while addressing a cross section of Security journalists at his Alausa office on Friday, marking the official kickoff of his stewardship in the new portfolio, saying “We will maintain strict oversight on contractor performance, monitor all funded projects closely, publish updates on the utilization of donations, strengthen internal governance and reporting, and deepen stakeholder communication and feedback mechanisms”.
Speaking matter of factly, the CEO noted that his “appointment is a call to service, a responsibility I embrace with humility and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of over 20 million Lagosians, who depend on a secure environment to live, work, and thrive,” harping that he will do everything within the legal and humanitarian provisions to ensure that relationship with the security operatives, media and the general public towards security lives and property in Lagos State is not compromised.
Acknowledging Lagos as one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, he said noted that there’s the need to shift from traditional security practices, and embrace innovation, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that “our response to emerging security challenges is swift, modern, and people-centered.”
While also highlighting the vision of the Fund as a partner to the government on safety and security, Ogunsan called on donations from all and sundry, saying that “The Fund’s success has always depended on the generosity and partnership of corporate organisations, influential institutions, and public-spirited individuals”, and urged on well meaning and spirited individuals to heed the call to ensure a Lagos where residents can sleep with both eyes closed.
He further stressed that partnership with the public has seen to the investment in ‘critical assets such as patrol vehicles, communication equipment, bulletproof vests, marine assets, training for personnel, and other vital tools that have helped law enforcement safeguard our communities’, adding that time has come to do more with appropriate monitoring.
He noted further:
“In the coming months, we will launch a renewed drive for retail donations — because security is personal. We want every citizen to have the opportunity to contribute directly to making Lagos safer.
“Our plans include:
• A wide-reaching public awareness campaign
• User-friendly digital donation platforms
• Youth-focused engagement and volunteer initiatives
• A strong presence on social and community channels”
Ogunsan while acknowledging responses and contributions from members of the media, he announced that beyond depending on the security agencies for feedbacks, the Fund will launch its own outfit to be known as ‘LSSTF Monitoring Team’ towards ensuring that all materials supplied to security agencies and others are well used, maintained and accounted for.
He also appreciated the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the opportunity to serve, pledging to improve on the efforts of his predecessors.
Prior to becoming the CEO of the Fund, Ogunsan, a known philanthropist, was a board member.
Other members of staff, who joined him at the parley, were LSSTF Director of Administration, Mr. Degbola Lewis, and Executive Assistant, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo.
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, who is also Otun Akile of Remoland, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has joined well-wishers across Remoland and beyond to celebrate the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, as he marks his 63rd birthday.
In his heartfelt tribute, Aare Emmanuelking described the Akarigbo as a ruler whose life radiates uncommon wisdom, authenticity, and grace. He noted that under Oba Ajayi’s steady and visionary leadership, the Remo Kingdom has continued to flourish, earning him the admiration of his people and respect across Yoruba land.
He praised the monarch’s intellectual brilliance, humility, and deep compassion, qualities he described as central to the Akarigbo’s enduring impact. “Your Majesty’s wisdom illuminates minds, your presence uplifts hearts, and your life exemplifies the harmony of intellect, humility, and grace,” Aare Emmanuelking stated.
He further highlighted that Akarigbo’s reign has been one of dignity, intention, and positive transformation. According to him, it is the character of the man behind the crown that truly endears Oba Ajayi to the people, noting that his counsel often “creates ripples of influence far beyond the palace walls.”
As Kabiyesi marks his 63rd year, Aare Emmanuelking offered prayers for continued good health, peace, joy, and divine wisdom, expressing confidence that the monarch’s legacy of service and enlightenment will continue to guide future generations.
Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, who ascended the throne in 2017, is widely regarded as a progressive and community-focused leader, one whose modern, people-centric approach has strengthened unity and development across Remoland.
